More than 600 athletes from across the United States are gathering in the Twin Cities from July 17 to 22 to compete in the 44th National Veteran Wheelchair Games, the nation’s largest adaptive sports and rehabilitation event for Veterans with disabilities. This is the second time around for host state Minnesota after having first welcomed the event in 2005.

Open to U.S. Veterans living with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis or other central neurological conditions that necessitate a wheelchair for sports, the Games draw participants from every generation of conflict—from World War II to the post-9/11 era. More than 20 individual and team sports categories are supported by nearly 3,000 volunteers.

Most Veterans are introduced to adaptive sports through programs offered at their nearby VA medical center or local Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) chapter. Such was the case for athlete Joe Diaz, a Resident of the Minneapolis Veterans Home and one of more than 50 Veteran athletes representing the state of Minnesota this past week.

Diaz was encouraged to participate by his caregiver, Taylor Woltman, a Certified Recreational Therapist (CRT) at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

“I’m participating in the Wheelchair Games to see how good I really am at 77 years old,” says Diaz.

Diaz joined the armed forces when he was 18 or 19, went through basic training at U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood, and served with the infantry as a Fourth Class Specialist helicopter door gunner in the Vietnam War.

Diaz says, “The Veteran Wheelchair Games feeds my competitive side!” With an ambitious schedule, Diaz competed in five categories over the nearly week-long competition including air rifle, bowling, boccia, motorized wheelchair slalom and motorized wheelchair rally.

“Using the air rifle requires some strength so I've been doing extra exercises in bed to prepare.” Diaz also trained at a nearby Boy Scout base camp. Athletes received coaching to review game rules and strategies while building their skills. Other traditional and non-traditional events offered at the Games included swimming, archery, bass fishing, billiards, powerlifting, and team sports like basketball, soccer and softball.

For many Veterans, the Games are more than sport—they're a testament to living beyond the stigma of “disability.” Participating offers many benefits including the motivation to stay active, improved mental health, new friendships and increased confidence.

“In preparing for these events,” Diaz says, “I’ve really enjoyed the camaraderie, supporting each other and sharing stories.”

Most days, Diaz stays active by playing Cribbage, gardening and welcoming new Residents to the Minneapolis Home. His closest companion, Woltman, can testify to his competitive spirit. She considers Diaz as tough of a coach as he is an athlete. “He’s been teaching me to play Cribbage . . . and he’s got me on the ropes!” But there’s more to Diaz than wanting to win at sport and games.

“Joe is motivated to be alive—to be physically and mentally well and to push himself to his full potential,” says Woltman. “Joe inspires me. Joe has always been motivated to help others at the Home and gives so much of his personal time to do so.”

“With the Games I've seen a shift of Joe’s focus—that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. He’s using this time for himself to train and connect with others living with a disability.”

When asked about other Veterans Woltman and her coworkers serve at the Minneapolis Home, she responds with enthusiasm. “As a Recreational Therapist, we get our Veterans out and make sure they're mentally and physically stimulated so that they're living their best lives.” Woltman underscores this is what Diaz is doing for himself by participating in the Veteran Wheelchair Games. “This isn’t about winning—this is Joe’s moment.”

Learn more about the  VA's Adaptive Sports & Therapeutic Arts Rehabilitation Programs and PVA’s Adaptive Sports Program.